Real Madrid Edge Juventus as Mbappé Makes Debut

Real Madrid found their rhythm at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus to book their place in the quarterfinals, thanks to a second-half goal from academy product Gonzalo García. The match also marked the much-anticipated tournament debut of Kylian Mbappé.

García, who stepped in during the group stage while Mbappé recovered from gastroenteritis, struck early in the second half to set up a quarterfinal clash against either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey.

Mbappé entered the match as a second-half substitute, drawing rapturous applause from the near-capacity crowd at Hard Rock Stadium—a testament to Real Madrid’s global popularity. Despite a few promising positions, the French forward had limited opportunities to influence the game in what resembled more of a fitness run-out than a competitive display.

Juventus began the match with intent and had early chances, most notably when Randal Kolo Muani attempted a delicate chip over Thibaut Courtois, narrowly missing the target. Kenan Yildiz also tried his luck from distance but couldn’t find the mark.

Gradually, Real Madrid took control. Jude Bellingham tested Michele Di Gregorio with a sharp angled effort, and the Juventus goalkeeper had to be at his best to deny a long-range rocket from Federico Valverde just before the break.

Real finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a pinpoint cross, and García rose to head home his third goal of the tournament. Di Gregorio kept Juventus in contention, producing a fine reflex save to stop a spectacular bicycle kick from Valverde.

The crowd erupted with chants of “Mbappé! Mbappé!” as the 26-year-old warmed up and eventually replaced García midway through the second half. Although Mbappé found promising positions, his teammates struggled to connect with him in the final third.

Later that evening, Borussia Dortmund held off a spirited second-half comeback from Monterrey to secure a 2-1 victory and complete the Club World Cup quarterfinal lineup. Goals from Serhou Guirassy in the 14th and 24th minutes gave Dortmund a comfortable cushion at halftime, but Monterrey responded with a header from German Berterame early in the second half.

Dortmund’s defense came under sustained pressure as Monterrey pressed for an equaliser, with winger Jesús Corona proving a constant menace. However, the Bundesliga side held firm to set up a high-stakes clash against Real Madrid on Saturday in New Jersey.

Unfortunately, Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham will miss the encounter against his brother Jude after picking up a yellow card in the 28th minute, ruling him out due to suspension.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Monterrey’s Nelson Deossa firing a series of dangerous long-range shots early on. Dortmund capitalized first, with Guirassy finishing smartly at the near post following a slick interchange with Karim Adeyemi. Minutes later, Adeyemi turned provider again, assisting Guirassy for his second after Julian Ryerson’s aggressive interception and long ball upfield.

Guirassy missed two chances to complete his hat-trick before the break, failing to convert deliveries from Bellingham and Pascal Gross.

Monterrey returned with renewed energy in the second half. Corona curled in a precise cross to the far post, where Erick Aguirre headed it back for Berterame to nod past Gregor Kobel, halving the deficit.

The Mexican side maintained the pressure, with Corona and Berterame both coming close to levelling the score. Berterame even found the net again, but it was ruled out for offside.

Late substitutions helped Dortmund regain some composure, and Guirassy had a few more opportunities to complete his hat-trick before Monterrey surged again in the closing moments. Sergio Ramos, eager for a potential reunion with Real Madrid, came forward and nearly forced extra time with a last-minute header that grazed the post.

But Dortmund held on, ending the hopes of the Spanish legend and advancing to face Real Madrid in what promises to be an epic quarterfinal showdown.